Twenty-two years ago, controversial author David Etheridge and ambitious state senator Robert McCrutchen were investigated in the death of a young coed. But a circle of secrecy guaranteed the case was never solved.

When Etheridge returns to Eugene, Oregon, McCrutchen is his grudging host--until the senator is found shot dead. Now Etheridge is back where he was two decades ago--suspected of murder. Only this time, with the cold case reopened, he's facing a double charge.

Barbara must battle the prosecution and the court of public opinion, which has already tried and convicted Etheridge for both murders. As the pressure mounts, Barbara ties the past and present together, risking her own life to preserve justice.